Consider a spherical wave Show that E obeys maxwell's equations

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on demonstrating that the electric field E of a spherical wave satisfies Maxwell's equations. The electric field is defined as E(r, theta, phi, t) = ((A sin theta)/r)(cos(kr - omega t) - (1/kr)sin(kr - omega t)) phi-hat, where omega/k = c. The user is specifically struggling with applying Faraday's law to find the associated magnetic field B and proving that E adheres to the divergence and curl conditions of Maxwell's equations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Maxwell's equations, particularly Faraday's law and the Ampere-Maxwell law.
  • Knowledge of spherical coordinates and their application in vector calculus.
  • Familiarity with electromagnetic wave propagation and the relationship between electric and magnetic fields.
  • Proficiency in differentiating vector fields in three-dimensional space.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the magnetic field B from the electric field E using Faraday's law.
  • Learn how to compute divergence and curl in spherical coordinates.
  • Explore the implications of the Ampere-Maxwell law in the context of electromagnetic waves.
  • Review the relationship between charge density (ro) and electric fields in electrostatics.
USEFUL FOR

Students of electromagnetism, physics educators, and anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of Maxwell's equations and their applications in wave phenomena.

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Homework Statement



Consider a simple spherical wave, with omega/k=c

E(r, theta, phi, t)=((A sin theta)/r)(cos(kr - omega t) -(1/kr)sin(kr - omega t)) phi-hat

i) Using Faraday's law, find the associated magnetic field B
ii) Show that E obeys the remaining three of Maxwell's equations

The Attempt at a Solution



It's part b I am stuck on. I tried to prove it obeys div E=ro/epsilon0

I tried to do div E in spherical coordinates but I don't know how to when I don't know how to differentiate it with respect to phi because the equation given for E doesn't contain phi. i also don't know how ro is related to any of the terms in the equation for E. Please help.
 
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If it doesn't contain phi, then obviously the derivative of E wrt it is 0...
 
I am now stuck on proving that the wave obey's the Ampere-Maxwell law. I tried to prove that curl B=0. It doesn't. Did I make a mistake in calculating, or is this the wrong approach to take to the question?
 

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